EICR Codes Explained: What C1, C2, C3 and FI Codes Mean for Your Property
If you have recently had an Electrical Installation Condition Report carried out, you may be wondering what the codes on your report actually mean. In this guide, we have EICR codes explained in plain English — covering every observation code, what action each one requires, and how they affect your overall result. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or commercial property manager in Manchester, understanding these codes helps you make informed decisions about electrical safety.
An EICR is a detailed inspection of your property’s electrical installation, carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with BS 7671 (the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations). The inspector examines your wiring, consumer unit, sockets, switches, and protective devices before issuing a report. That report uses a standardised coding system to classify any issues found.
The Four EICR Observation Codes at a Glance
Every observation recorded during an EICR receives one of four classification codes. Each code indicates a different level of severity and dictates the action you must take. Here is a summary before we explore each code in detail:
| Code | Meaning | Severity | Action Required | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Danger present | Critical — immediate risk of injury or fire | Disconnect or make safe immediately | Immediate |
| C2 | Potentially dangerous | Serious — could become dangerous | Urgent remedial work required | Within 28 days |
| C3 | Improvement recommended | Advisory — not immediately dangerous | Recommended but not mandatory | At your discretion |
| FI | Further investigation required | Unknown — cannot fully assess | Additional inspection needed | As soon as practicable |
Now let us break down each code so you know exactly what to expect.
C1 — Danger Present
A C1 code is the most serious classification an EICR inspector can issue. It means there is an immediate risk of electric shock, injury, or fire at the time of inspection. The danger is present right now — not theoretical.
Common examples of C1 observations include:
- Exposed live conductors — bare wires that someone could touch
- Missing protective covers on consumer units or junction boxes
- Absence of earthing where it is essential for safety
- Damaged cables with visible inner conductors in accessible locations
What happens next: Your electrician will make the danger safe during the inspection itself — typically by isolating the affected circuit. They must inform you of the risk immediately. Permanent repair work should follow as soon as possible. A C1 code always results in an Unsatisfactory overall outcome.
C2 — Potentially Dangerous
A C2 code means the issue is not causing immediate harm right now, but it could become dangerous under certain conditions. Without remedial action, the risk will likely escalate over time.
Typical C2 observations include:
- Lack of RCD protection on circuits that require it under current regulations
- Overloaded circuits with inadequate cable ratings for the load
- Non-fire-rated downlights installed where fire-rated fittings are required
- Deteriorating wiring insulation that could break down and expose conductors
- Inadequate bonding to gas or water pipework
What happens next: You should arrange remedial work within 28 days of receiving your report. For landlords, this is a legal obligation — failure to address C2 codes can result in enforcement action from your local authority. Like C1, a C2 code results in an Unsatisfactory EICR.
At Manchester Compliance, we carry out remedial work for C2 observations across Greater Manchester. In many cases, our engineers can complete the repairs on the same visit or schedule them within days. You can find out more about our EICR testing and remedial work service or check our pricing page for transparent rates.
C3 — Improvement Recommended
A C3 code is the least serious observation. It indicates that something does not meet the latest edition of the wiring regulations, but it does not pose an immediate or potential danger. These are advisory recommendations rather than mandatory requirements.
Common C3 observations include:
- Lack of additional RCD protection on circuits installed before the requirement existed
- Old-style consumer units that still function correctly but could be upgraded
- Missing cable identification labels at the distribution board
- Older wiring accessories that work safely but do not match current standards
What happens next: C3 observations alone do not cause a fail. Your EICR can still receive a Satisfactory outcome if the only issues found are C3 codes. However, addressing them improves your property’s electrical safety and can prevent issues at future inspections when regulations may have tightened further.
FI — Further Investigation Required
An FI code means the electrician could not fully inspect or test a particular part of the installation during the EICR. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether a fault exists and, if so, how severe it is.
Reasons for an FI observation include:
- Inaccessible wiring hidden behind walls, ceilings, or fixed furniture
- Unusual test results that require further diagnosis
- Locked rooms or areas that could not be accessed on the day
- Suspected faults that need specialist equipment to confirm
What happens next: Further investigation should take place as soon as practicable. Until the FI is resolved, the inspector cannot confirm whether the installation is safe. An FI code results in an Unsatisfactory outcome because the full condition of the installation remains unknown.
Satisfactory vs Unsatisfactory: How EICR Codes Affect Your Result
Your EICR report concludes with an overall assessment of either Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Here is how the codes determine that outcome:
- Satisfactory: No C1, C2, or FI codes found. The installation meets an acceptable standard of safety. C3 codes may still be present.
- Unsatisfactory: One or more C1, C2, or FI codes found. Remedial work or further investigation is required before the installation can pass.
In simple terms, any code other than C3 will cause your EICR to fail. You will need to address every C1, C2, and FI observation, then have the installation re-inspected to obtain a Satisfactory result.
What EICR Codes Mean for Landlords
Since April 2021, landlords in England must have a valid EICR for every rental property. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 place clear obligations on landlords when observation codes are recorded:
- C1 codes: The electrician must make the danger safe immediately. The landlord must arrange permanent remedial work and supply evidence to the local authority within 28 days.
- C2 codes: The landlord must complete all remedial work within 28 days (or sooner if the report specifies) and provide written confirmation to the local authority and their tenants.
- FI codes: Further investigation must be completed within 28 days. Any faults discovered during that investigation must also be repaired within the same timeframe.
- C3 codes: No legal obligation to act, although addressing them demonstrates good practice and due diligence.
Penalties for non-compliance: Local authorities can issue fines of up to £30,000 per breach. They can also arrange remedial work themselves and recover the costs from the landlord. Consequently, addressing C1, C2, and FI codes promptly is both a safety priority and a legal necessity.
How Manchester Compliance Handles Remedial Works
When our NICEIC approved engineers carry out an EICR and find C1 or C2 codes, we follow a clear process to get your property compliant:
- Immediate safety action — any C1 dangers are made safe on the spot by isolating the affected circuit.
- Clear quotation — we provide a transparent, itemised quote for all remedial work before starting any repairs.
- Efficient completion — our engineers complete most remedial work within one visit. For properties that need a full house rewire, we specialise in completing first fix and second fix in a single day.
- Re-inspection and certification — once repairs are finished, we re-test the affected circuits and update your EICR to Satisfactory.
- Documentation — we supply all certificates and reports for your records, ready for your local authority or letting agent.
We work across Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Bolton, Oldham, Tameside, and the wider North West. Our team handles everything from single-property EICRs to large-scale Build to Rent compliance programmes with hundreds of units.
Frequently Asked Questions About EICR Codes
Can I still use my property with a C2 code?
Yes, you can continue to use the property. However, you should arrange remedial work within 28 days. The issue is not immediately dangerous, but it could become so if left unresolved.
Do C3 codes mean my EICR has failed?
No. C3 observations are advisory recommendations. Your EICR can still receive a Satisfactory result with C3 codes. They simply highlight areas where your installation could be brought up to the latest standards.
How much does remedial work cost?
The cost depends on the nature and number of observations. Minor fixes like replacing a damaged socket may cost under £100, while larger jobs such as upgrading a consumer unit typically range from £500 to £800. Visit our pricing page for guidance, or contact us for a free quote.
Who can carry out EICR remedial work?
Remedial work must be completed by a qualified, registered electrician. At Manchester Compliance, all our engineers are NICEIC approved and work to BS 7671 (18th Edition) standards.
Need Help With Your EICR Codes?
Our NICEIC approved engineers carry out EICR testing and remedial work across Manchester and the North West. Call us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Published March 2026 by Manchester Compliance Ltd. This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always consult a qualified electrician for property-specific recommendations.